Dear Editor,
The way forward is not to be based on ancient history, but on a careful re-evaluation of recent history, and proper planning for the future. It must be player-oriented.
The treatment meted out to Lara, Gayle, Sarwan, Chanderpaul, Taylor and Marlon Samuels must not be repeated. It must be appreciated that the player base is relatively small and its value must be fully appreciated. Things could have changed earlier with an evidence-based approach to management and a more caring attitude to the players. Lara long ago described Samuels as a very talented batsman with a knee problem. If you pay close attention, you would know the problem persists. To the credit of the coaching staff, he was granted exemption from certain drills. The opposing teams know of the knee problem, but if you listen to some WI journalists you will doubt that they know or care. Samuels is too good a cricketer to be discarded, but with the emergence of Blackwood, consideration should be given to sending Blackwood in at four, and Samuels who is now 34, at five, where you would reasonably expect more exposure to spin and less to pace, especially in the early stages of his innings.
When Chanderpaul retires he should be encouraged with a batting coaching offer to use his special skills to assist young batsmen, with special emphasis on patience in run accumulation. Mohammed and Simmons, both right-handers, should be the prime candidates to replace Chanderpaul. There may be others. Management should be very careful to maintain a preponderance of right-handed batsmen, as it should be clear by now that only exceptional left-handers can deal effectively with the ball turning away from them. Swann said he salivated at the sight of left-handers coming to bat.
The search for an opener to partner the proven Brathwaite should not end with Hope. Powell, Barath, and even Marshall, are quality cricketers who should be encouraged and assisted in developing the mental side of their games. What is more, if handled properly, and shown the right amount of love (yes, love), Chris Gayle still has two or three years to offer.
Management must help Russell find a way to deal with his knee problem that is the real reason for his apparent reluctance to play test cricket rather than some special kind of greed. People like Russell and Dwayne Bravo, who along with their notable all-rounder skills, can perform incredible feats as fielders, must never be too far away from the test squad. Nor for that matter should be someone like Pollard. Only Sammy`s retirement would exclude him from that group.
Kemar Roach must be treated like the diamond he is, and management must put special emphasis on his complete recovery, both mentally and physically. Encourage and help Shannon Gabriel who is as fast as anyone in the game today including the vaunted Aussies.
Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul, right and left-handed spinners respectively, have gained experience, and clearly are not rabbits with bat in hand. They must be coddled.
Sunil Narine must be the special concern of every member of the WICB and the cricket committee until he is back bowling in all formats.
I see no need to mention the captain who continues to do a solid job both keeping and batting, the two other certain superstars, Darren Bravo and Jason Holder, and one of the most beautiful sights in fast bowling, Jerome Taylor.
The trick is to start preparing early and remember Gayle`s words to the effect that preparation has in it, a significant mental component.
Yours faithfully,
Romain Pitt
